Is Open Surgery with Mesh Using Vertical Incision the Only Way to Repair Hernias and Diastasis?

Physically fit, 27 year old athlete and mom of 1 with physically demanding profession. I have 2 hernias, one 3 inches beneath sternum approx. 3 cm the second a <2 cm umbilical hernia. Diastasis recti was cited as underlying issue. Surgeon wants to make vertical cut, correct diastasis and use mesh to repair.Obviously want problems fixed to continue athletic and coaching careers, but want to make sure there's not a more aesthetically pleasing procedure that can correct the musculature and hernias.

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by RacerMom

Doctor Answers (5)
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Vertical incision and mesh for hernia repair is not needed.

By your description you do not need a vertical incision. This is the easiest access, but most obtrusive in scarring as it is difficult to hide. Also, mesh is highly likely NOT needed for these smaller size hernias. Both can be easily repaired through a low transverse incision hidden by your panties or bikini. Please get a second opinion from a plastic surgeon with extensive experience, preferably a double board certified (General Surgery and Plastic Surgery).

Repair all hernia through a lower, tummy tuck incision

Please, don't let someone use a vertical incision for this. I and clearly the other docs replying to this post routinely repair these through tummy tuck incision. The surgeon can absolutely reach all the way up to the lower sternum through even a mini-tummy tuck incision and you will have a great looking repair! Even big hernias with bowel sticking out of them! Find someone else! Mesh is overkill, I would not normally use it in this kind of case.

Lisa B. Cassileth, MD

3 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Vertical scar

Dear RacerMom, I am a board certified plastic surgeon for over 25 years and I have never used a vertical scar in over 1000 tummy tucks. It is absolutly un-necessary ! A horizontal incision , low in the abdomen in the natural crease, will give you a nice and easy hidden scar. Through that approach , the diasthesis recti and and hernias can be repaired with no difficulty. A mash is absolutly un-necessary. I used it only once in an old lady with... more

As bigger herniae as best mesh graft/ mientras mas grande la hernia mayor posibilidad de malla sintetica

You should choose a certified plastic aesthetic reconstructive surgeon to repair this problem avoiding a vertical incition. the incistion could be like a cesarea or better by endoscopy, avoiding also the type cesarean incition, as you are an athlet perhaps the mesh utilization be avoided, repairing directly the defect, but that will depend of herniae seize. tu debeerias de escojer un cirujano plastico estetico y... more

Incisions to repair diastasis and hernias

You should seek consultation from a double board certified surgeon (Am Board of Surgery and Am Board of Plastic Surgery) as they will have the ability to repair both issues perhaps with a more creative incision that just cutting down the middle on top of the hernias and diastasis. Perhaps a lower abdominal horizontal incision would work. Perhaps skipping the diastasis and doing the hernias endoscopically?